From the Economic Journal, February, 2017.
Using a new data source permitting individuals to record their well‐being via a smartphone, the researchers explored variance in individuals’ well‐being. ~ Ed
Happiness in Different Activities (fixed effects regression model)
| Happy (0–100) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Activities (in rank order) | Coefficient | t |
| Intimacy, making love | 14.20 | (44.4) |
| Theatre, dance, concert | 9.29 | (29.6) |
| Exhibition, museum, library | 8.77 | (25.0) |
| Sports, running, exercise | 8.12 | (45.5) |
| Gardening, allotment | 7.83 | (22.8) |
| Singing, performing | 6.95 | (17.5) |
| Talking, chatting, socialising | 6.38 | (75.2) |
| Birdwatching, nature watching | 6.28 | (11.4) |
| Walking, hiking | 6.18 | (37.0) |
| Hunting, fishing | 5.82 | (3.98) |
| Drinking alcohol | 5.73 | (54.0) |
| Hobbies, arts, crafts | 5.53 | (22.5) |
| Meditating, religious activities | 4.95 | (11.2) |
| Match, sporting event | 4.39 | (15.2) |
| Childcare, playing with children | 4.10 | (19.4) |
| Pet care, playing with pets | 3.63 | (17.1) |
| Listening to music | 3.56 | (27.6) |
| Other games, puzzles | 3.07 | (11.1) |
| Shopping, errands | 2.74 | (25.1) |
| Gambling, betting | 2.62 | (2.82) |
| Watching TV, film | 2.55 | (36.3) |
| Computer games, iPhone games | 2.39 | (18.4) |
| Eating, snacking | 2.38 | (37.1) |
| Cooking, preparing food | 2.14 | (22.0) |
| Drinking tea/coffee | 1.83 | (18.4) |
| Reading | 1.47 | (13.3) |
| Listening to speech/podcast | 1.41 | (9.62) |
| Washing, dressing, grooming | 1.18 | (11.5) |
| Sleeping, resting, relaxing | 1.08 | (11.4) |
| Smoking | 0.69 | (3.16) |
| Browsing the Internet | 0.59 | (6.13) |
| Texting, email, social media | 0.56 | (5.64) |
| Housework, chores, DIY | −0.65 | (−6.59) |
| Travelling, commuting | −1.47 | (−16.2) |
| In a meeting, seminar, class | −1.50 | (−9.01) |
| Admin, finances, organising | −2.45 | (−14.2) |
| Waiting, | −3.51 | (−22.7) |
| Care or help for adults | −4.30 | (−7.75) |
| Working, studying | −5.43 | (−44.0) |
| Sick in bed | −20.4 | (−67.9) |
| Something else (version < 1.0.2) | −1.00 | (−5.43) |
| Something else (version ≥ 1.0.2) | −2.31 | (−13.6) |
| Person fixed effects | Yes | |
| Constant | 65.6 | (978) |
| Observations | 1,321,279 | |
| Number of groups | 20,946 | |